Gift Ban Decision Is Tabled

Oakland Park Wants To Review State Law

January 27, 2006|By Elizabeth Baier Staff Writer

OAKLAND PARK — Officials are considering adopting a ban on lobbyist gifts similar to the one that went into effect in the Florida Legislature on Jan. 1.

At the recommendation of Commissioner Suzanne Boisvenue, officials discussed -- and later tabled -- an item at the Jan. 18 meeting that would put an end to free meals, drinks and entertainment from lobbyists. They are scheduled to consider the issue again at the Feb. 1 meeting.

"The back scratching has to stop," Boisvenue said. "Oakland Park is not for sale."

Boisvenue said she proposed the gift-ban law to help increase the city's credibility with residents. Officials have not decided which part of the gift ban to adopt, or not, but Boisvenue is pushing for a sweeping law that would prohibit elected officials from accepting any kind of gift.

"There is no reason for anyone to give us anything," she said. "We need to be sure we are representing our residents and not special interests."

Other commissioners felt it was too soon for the city to adopt its own gift ban without seeing how the state's law takes effect.

"I don't see a need for a law when we don't even take gifts now," Murphy told commissioners. "Let's study it and bring it back."

State legislators discovered a number of unintended consequences after passing their gift ban, one of the most stringent in the country. One of the biggest problems involved donations they get from cities and counties in their districts, including free office space, parking, desks, office equipment and even subscriptions to newspapers and magazines.

On Saturday, Florida legislative leaders outlined new ground rules they hope will help clarify the gift ban. They issued a 26-page memo detailing what is illegal under the new law, which prohibits legislators from accepting free meals, drinks and other gifts from lobbyists.

Locally, the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office, Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts have adopted a system that requires lobbyists to sign in each time they come to speak to public officials.

"I don't want to jump the gun before anyone else knows what's allowed," said Commissioner Layne Walls. "I have a problem with laying down the law without knowing what it is."